The German government is prepared to give the go-ahead to the revolutionary oil and gas technique of “fracking” in Germany, but under certain conditions, according to a ministry paper obtained by AFP on Tuesday.

Under a draft proposal by the economy and environment ministries, fracking would be banned in areas where there are water reserves and mineral springs.

This is a concession to public opinion where there are serious concerns about safety, as well as the environmental and health effects of the technology.